Reckoning, or awakening

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week has said, "California's day of reckoning is here."

I'd say, rather, that it's a day of awakening.

Because many are discovering that many of those criticized functions of "big government" are more relevant to daily life than it sometimes appears.

Think welfare, for one, which could be severely curtailed or entirely disposed of in the state. Or the state parks service, the potential neutering of which thousands and thousands are protesting. Or medical care for under- or uninsured children, which could end up another casualty of cuts.

This on top of cuts to general education, transportation and public safety.

Maybe we're finally awakening to the idea that tax money funds real programs with real tangible benefits. Just maybe...